MASSIVE OPERATING STANDARD GAUGE MODULE ASSOCIATION LAYOUT SEEN AT THE WORLD'S
GREATEST HOBBY ON TOUR SHOW AT OAKS, PA

The Standard Gauge Module Association (SGMA) presented what
may be the largest ever operating standard gauge layout seen by the public at
the World's Greatest Hobby Show On Tour (WGHS) at Oaks, PA on January 3rd and
4th, 2009. SGMA members from the Midwest, New York State, Washington, DC, and
the Philadelphia area converged on the small Philadelphia suburb of Oaks on
Friday, January 2 to set up a huge modular standard gauge layout measuring 80
feet long by 32 feet wide. The layout featured three main lines of standard
gauge tinplate track with 84", 72", and 42" diameter curves.
Also featured were the Association's now famous Horseshoe Curve modules as well
as two scenic ravine modules and two new mountain modules.

The WGHS event marked the opening of the new Greater Philadelphia
Expo Center at Oaks. The WGHS show occupied in excess of 100,000 square feet
of Expo Center space and featured over 25 operating layouts and 200 manufacturer
and retailer booths. WGHS promoted the show heavily with print advertising,
TV spots, over 40,000 direct mail postcards and over 25,000 emails. The result
was a massive turnout on Saturday morning that clogged local roads in Oaks.

According to reports, police were forced to close the Oaks exit
of PA Rt. 422 at one point and some people many not have been able to reach
the show. Several SGMA team members were unable to reach the Expo Center until
an hour after the 10 AM opening of the show to the public on Saturday morning.
Crowds inside the Expo Center on Saturday were huge with spectators at the SGMA
layout standing three to four deep at times.

The SGMA team begins setup Friday morning.

Chris, Wayne and Max setting up a scenic mountain
module.

An impressive string of ACE Trains glass station
canopies on SGMA team member Bob Nelson's modules.

The sights, sounds, and smells of Standard gauge
tinplate in action attract onlookers.

SGMA member Bert prepares to swap out trains
on one of the main lines while guest operator TCA President Clem Clement gives
away one of Lloyd Wisner's trains!

Joe, Danielle, and JoAnn Mania get "the
pitch" from Clem Clement.

Kirk oversees the display on the SGMA Horseshoe
Curve modules.

An unusual track cleaning car sees duty on the
84 inch main line courtesy of Clem Clement. Clem, what did you do with the Fuller
Brush Man?

Many toddlers found a convenient way to get a
good view of the tinplate.

Lights and action provoked much amazement and
many smiles. Many show attendees took the opportunity to photograph the SGMA
presentation.